The Los Angeles Lakers have faced a lot of challenges this year but one thing is clear: their defense has gotten way better. After trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic and using two-way players, the Lakers are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. With LeBron back and their new defensive identity, can this be the formula for a deep playoff run or even a championship?
Lakers’ Defensive Turnaround
At the start of the season the Lakers were 17th in defensive efficiency under Darvin Ham. Fast forward to today and they’re 4th in defensive efficiency since getting Dorian Finney-Smith on December 31. Before he got here they were 21st.
What changed? The Lakers adopted a new philosophy of intensity, communication and adaptability. Coach JJ Redick implemented a system that uses what he calls “banshees” – players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and Finney-Smith who bring relentless energy and disrupt the opposing team’s offense.
“We were switching off the right guys,” Redick said after their win over the Suns. “We made it tough for them to get shots and when they did we contested everything.”
This is working. From January 30 to March 6 the Lakers were the NBA’s best defensive team, first in opponent 3-point shooting and second in transition defense. Packing the paint and forcing teams into tough shots has been the key to their success.
Luka Doncic: Unexpected Defensive Asset
Defying Expectations
When the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, everyone wondered how his defensive limitations would affect the team. He’s more of an offensive wizard than a defensive stopper. But under Redick’s guidance, he’s surprising everyone.
Since February 10, Doncic has held opponents to 0.81 points per isolation possession, 3rd among players who’ve defended 40+ isolation plays. He’s communicating and playing within the team’s system and is a better defender than ever.
Even LeBron James and Austin Reaves, who aren’t defensive players, are playing above their standards. As one Western Conference scout said, “Even their biggest defensive liabilities are playing well above their standards.”
Key Players Driving the Defensive Turnaround
Dorian Finney-Smith: The Defensive Anchor
Finney-Smith was the game-changer for the Lakers. 6’7” 220 lbs, he brings size, strength and versatility to the wing. But more importantly he embodies the “banshee” mentality that Redick talks about.
“Coach JJ told me to be a communicator, use my voice and shoot when I’m open,” Finney-Smith said. “I try to come in, bring energy and play hard.”
His impact is huge. Since he’s been with the Lakers, the team’s defensive efficiency has gone from 21st to 4th in the league.
Jordan Goodwin: The Hidden Gem
Signed to a two way contract in February Jordan Goodwin has become a fan favorite. At 6-3 he plays bigger than his height, he averaged double digit rebounds in college at Saint Louis. Redick said Goodwin “sets the tone” defensively “he flies around and causes chaos”
But Goodwin’s playoff eligibility is uncertain. Two way players can only play in 50 games in the regular season so the Lakers have to make a decision by April 13 if they want him to be available for the playoffs.
Challenges Ahead
Roster Spot Management
The Lakers have all 15 roster spots filled now so they can’t convert Goodwin or Trey Jemison III (another key contributor) to a standard contract. Waiving a player like Cam Reddish (a former rotation player now out of favor) could free up space but that won’t be an easy decision.
As the season winds down the Lakers will have to balance their roster while keeping key contributors eligible for the playoffs. As a source close to the team says “it’s a good problem to have” but it’s still a problem that needs to be navigated.
Upcoming Games
The Lakers have 15 tough games left and 4 of them are against top 10 offenses (Denver, Memphis, Oklahoma City). These games will be a test for their championship hopes.
“We can beat any team in the league when we keep them under 100” Finney-Smith said. With LeBron, Luka and Reaves leading the charge offensively the Lakers defense might just be the key to their title.